London Transport Training School trained us to only use first gear when on an incline. Also to delay between gear changes in manual. Keeping the selector in 4th would engage automatic. This was on AEC Routemasters back in the day.
I passed the PSV test on RTs and the day after did a short course on RMs, The brakes were super sensative. The instructor said, dont fart with the windoow shut, as the increase in air pressure will apply the brakes.
Great Video! Thanks, cupla questions. I always remember as a kid, in the old RT days, looking up at those dim pax compartment light globes, LoL Are these a 12v system?ve, also are these four speed or five or six speed. Just love the sound of the idling RT/RM series
I'd Love to get a good condition old Routey, fit a cummins 8.3 and 5 spd auto box for a bit more pep and fit here out with a lovely wooden living interior. And then go travel all the navigable world in it.
Well if you in stagecoach London, the only place that still operates a routemaster in service is West Ham, But when I was there, you could only drive the routemasters when your considered as a experianced driver, Spare drivers or new wasn't allowed, But I have since driven routemasters privately for corporate jobs and weddings etc, I drive routemasters twice a month and I love it.
1100HondaCB Nice, I've been only been driving buses for about 4 years, but you'd probably won't get the chance right away to drive the 15H, no doubt there's a waiting list as the duties are short. You've got more chance of driving routemaster the same way i do, privately but that's something you'd have to think about, no Ibus, and route planning! I had a job at the weekend in south London, low bridges everywhere so i normally plan a route a few days before each job.
...and what a wonder it is to think of all the other drivers that have sat in that cab since that bus had its first day in service all those years ago!
I've never driven a bus that does have seatbelts! Haven't fallen out yet though ;) Besides, keeping the door open helps to lean out and persuade people to let you pass!
It sounds like an AEC engine, but not having heard the Scania of DAF engines they used or have any info on this particular bus I wouldn't fully know but to me it sounds more like the AEC type engine. :)
They all sound the same while driving as the main noise is the gearbox whine, the leyland and AEC original engines have that slow donk'donk'donk noise at tickover whereas the modern ones sound..well..more modern, characterless really.
meggerbiddle UPDATE: This is certainly not a Dartmaster Cummins. Having worked on RML 2343 plate (CUV 343C) which sounds exactly the same, with the same lumpy idle and fear change, I’d say this is a Cummins L10.
Nice video - riding a Routemaster or RT (with a smooth driver as here) was a relaxing experience, big low revving AEC engine, melodious transmission and harmonious interior - such a difference to the erratic 'point and squirt' screaming buses of today with their interiors seemingly designed by a 5 year old using 'every one' of his crayons! Boris Master excepted.
